In the most security-conscious game so far at the World Cup, with rainbow-colored hats confiscated at the entrance, the United States and Wales drew 1-1 on Monday (21) at Al Rayyan Stadium . The match was valid for group B.
The American goal was scored by Timothy Weah, 22. He is the son of Liberian striker George Weah, voted best in the world in 1995. Welsh star Gareth Bale equalized from the penalty spot.
Stadium security asked Welsh fans to remove hats from the LGBTQIA+ organization The Rainbow Wall, which are designed to promote inclusion and gender equality in sport.
For Fifa and the organizers of the World Cup in Qatar, it is a political manifestation, which is not allowed in the stadiums of the World Cup.
This is an old concern regarding the organization of the tournament. Homosexuality is considered a crime in Qatar. Expressions of affection in public are also not allowed between men and women.
In an interview with Sheet in early 2020, the secretary general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi, asked that people coming to the country be open to adapting to the local culture.
This Monday, the federations of European countries that are in the Cup were warned that the use during games of the captain’s armband with the expression One Love could result in a yellow card.
This is another campaign initiated by the Dutch Football Association, which wants to unite all fans in the love of football.
“Securities told me that the rainbow is a banned symbol in stadiums. I insisted and said that in my country we are passionate about equality between people. I heard that if I didn’t take my hat off, I wouldn’t be able to enter the stadium,” he said. Laura McAllister, former player and captain of the Wales women’s national team, for British broadcaster ITV.
The Rainbow Wall confirmed that it had received complaints from several fans who were unable to enter the Al Rayyan without removing the accessory.
Stadium security guards declined to discuss the matter with the reporter. FIFA and the organization of the Cup did not comment.
The match had a security scheme not seen in others because of the North American presence. Arriving cars were searched with mirrors to check that there were no bombs on the floor. A helicopter flew over the site until minutes before kick-off.
On the field, the United States were superior in the first half, opened the scoring in the 36th minute and could have scored more goals.
Wales, who were playing their first World Cup match since 1958, balanced in the final stage, especially after the entry of striker Moore.
Bale, the main name of Welsh football and who plays in the MLS (Major League Soccer, the professional football league in the United States) had a low performance, but was responsible for the tie. He converted penalty at 36 of the final stage.
Next Friday (25), in group B, Wales face Iran. The Americans play against England.
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